The Toffees got their Europa League campaign off to a shocker by losing 3-0 away to Atalanta, in a game where all three goals were scored in the first half.

It was a horrendous performance by Everton, who have spent in excess of £150 million on players this past summer.

As a result of the display, the travelling fans booed the team when Jagielka and his colleagues applauded them at full time in Atalanta.

But does the former Sheffield United man harbour any resentment? Not one bit, with the veteran centre-back admitting that they deserved the frosty reception.

Asked by The Telegraph if he understood it, Jagielka said: “Yes, massively. Even coming out after half-time I think I'd have done the same. It's expensive [for fans to travel to Italy] and something we've all been looking forward to for a while so I can more than understand the frustration.

“I wouldn't expect too many of them to have stood up and clapped so now it's up to us as players and a squad to turn it around. The only way we can do that is on the pitch."

Ronald Koeman's side have a good, if not unenviable, opportunity to get fans back on side when they visit in-form Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Shane Callaghan

Shane is a Dublin-based sports writer who swapped the football pitch for the press box upon learning that he was better with a pen than with a round bit of leather. Prior to joining HITC, Shane enjoyed spells with Sports Mole and Goal.com among others, while he was also club reporter for Irish football club Drogheda United.